Rugby returns to Parc y Scarlets this afternoon as we welcome Cardiff Blues to Llanelli.
The last five months have been the most extraordinary in the history of the club and you, our supporters will have your own stories of the difficulties and tragedies faced by you, your families and friends.
We hope that our rugby, and the Scarlets way of playing, can help start the journey to life as normal.
So that we can all enjoy the game at Parc y Scarlets, we wanted to clarify the situation regarding individual player contracts by confirming that every Scarlets employee, be they players, backroom or non-rugby staff, signed up to our salary deduction framework weeks ago.
This is a major contribution by our employees and reflects the commitment of everyone to the success and viability of the club that represents our region. These deductions will stay in place for the next 12 months.
The club and its staff will now start discussing the future beyond that 12 months. This process has already started with almost 50 negotiations underway. The club and the staff understand the need to find longer-term solutions that are fair to all staff, reflect their financial sacrifice and ensure the viability of rugby at the Scarlets.
It has been a challenging time for everyone, but rugby is back at the Parc and at times we wondered when that would happen again.
Wherever you are watching today, we hope you enjoy what promises to be a mouthwatering game between two quality sides.
The stadium will be empty, but we know the whole Scarlets family will be here in spirit.